Jackie Baillie MSP congratulates local schools for UK-wide recognition

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, which covers Helensburgh and Lomond in Argyll and Bute, is celebrating the achievements of schools in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute, following a flurry of national competition successes from the area.

Last week Charles Rooney, head teacher at Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School (OLSP) in Dumbarton and a small number of senior pupils from the secondary school attended the Times Educational Supplement’s awards ceremony in London.

Despite missing out as winners of the accolade for Britain’s Best School, OLSP was narrowed down to the final five from all secondary schools UK-wide.

Meanwhile, Charles Rooney himself was the only Scottish entry left in the final push for the Head Teacher of the Year category.

These recognitions of excellence come less than a month after Alison Palmer, head teacher of Arrochar Primary School and pupils at Hermitage Primary were each shortlisted in the Scottish Education Awards.

Alison made it into the final three for the Head Teacher of the Year trophy; while Hermitage Primary School were competing for the Learning through Technology award.

Jackie Baillie says: ‘It’s great to see so many local schools in the Dumbarton Constituency being recognised for their hard work on a national platform.

‘I hope we can continue this record next term with even more secondary and primary schools in both West Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute showcasing their curriculum and committed teaching staff to the nation.

‘Congratulations to everyone to the teaching staff, pupils and parents at Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School, Hermitage Primary and Arrochar Primary.’